Deep dorsal vein of the penis

Deep dorsal vein of the penis is a blood vessel that drains blood from the glans and corpus cavernosum of the penis. It is a part of the Penile venous plexus, a network of veins that drain the erectile tissues of the penis.

Anatomy

The deep dorsal vein of the penis is located in the midline of the dorsal surface of the penis, running along the length of the penis from the glans to the root. It is situated between the two dorsal arteries and is covered by the Buck's fascia, a layer of deep fascia that surrounds the penile structures.

The deep dorsal vein begins at the tip of the penis, where it drains blood from the glans and the corpus cavernosum. It then runs along the dorsal surface of the penis, between the two dorsal arteries, and ends at the root of the penis, where it drains into the Prostatic venous plexus.

Function

The primary function of the deep dorsal vein of the penis is to drain deoxygenated blood from the erectile tissues of the penis. During an erection, the Corpora cavernosa, two sponge-like regions of erectile tissue, fill with blood. The deep dorsal vein then drains this blood away, returning it to the systemic circulation.

Clinical significance

The deep dorsal vein of the penis can be involved in several medical conditions. For example, it can be affected by Varicocele, a condition characterized by the enlargement of the veins in the scrotum, which can cause infertility. It can also be involved in Priapism, a prolonged and often painful erection that lasts for more than four hours.

In addition, the deep dorsal vein can be used in surgical procedures, such as the penile prosthesis implantation, where it is often ligated to prevent postoperative penile edema.

See also

• Dorsal vein of the penis
• Superficial dorsal vein of the penis
• Penile venous plexus
• Buck's fascia